IN BRIEF:

Jwala-Diju keen to qualify for Super Series Masters final

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New Delhi, Aug 31, PTI:,

Aug 31 2009, 23:01pm ist

updated: Aug 31 2009, 23:01pm ist

On Sunday, the world number seven Indian pair defeated Indonesian duo of Hendra Aprida Gunawan and Vita Marissa in the final. “I don’t want to think much about rankings but ideally, we would like to break into the top five.

“That would be our aim but we will have to work really hard for it,” Jwala said from Taiwan. Diju, however, said the ranking would be very important as it would be the qualifying criteria for the Super Series Master Final in December.

“We are aiming at the Super Series Masters Final. According to the BWF rules, only the top eight teams qualify. So our aim would be to reach at least the quarterfinal of each of the tournaments that we play from here on so that our ranking doesn’t slump,” a confident Diju said.

The ace pair will play the Japan Open in September end before embarking on the European tour, where they will play the Danish and French Opens. Jwala said after this win, a lot of expectation would ride on the duo every time they take the court, especially with the 2010 Commonwealth Games round the corner.

Expectations“I know now there will be a lot of expectations from us. We will be expected to win every tournament, and there will be expectations for the Commonwealth Games as well. “I have always loved playing team events and the Commonwealth Games is a team event. We will give everything to win a medal there. We have to handle a lot of pressure but it has never been a problem for me. I love playing under pressure,” she added.

Diju agreed. “I have worked hard in the 5-6 months and there is no problem with the stamina. “The only difference is the confidence. If we win, our confidence shoots up and we go into a match with the right spirit. If we can keep the tempo up, we can beat any opponent. Diju added that he was planning to team up with Chetan Anand to play in the men’s doubles.

Diju may partner Chetan“I had a talk with Chetan and he is also keen. If it does not affect his game and he is not too tired, then we would like to start playing in Indian ranking tournaments,” Diju said.Diju had to skip the Macau Open because of a stiff back. “I’m feeling okay now. There was a little pain after the long match yesterday but I am happy that I took the right decision in skipping the Macau Open as it helped me to be at the top of my game for Chinese Taipei,” he said.

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